Context

The family health nurse practitioner

Family Health Nurse Practitioners (FHNP) are trained in primary care delivery, including the diagnosis and management of common health conditions, in collaborative practice. However these capable practitioners are still under‐employed in primary care and team barriers exist to practice.

Objective

To successfully integrate the FHNP role in a novel primary care interdisciplinary team setting as evidenced by team consultation and service demand.

Participants and Methods

Four FHNPs were hired for three clinics. Their role was integrated by design; deﬁning a shared care model with collaborative practice. The care team is deﬁned as the physician, FHNP, RN, RD, Kinesiologist and clinical care coordinator.

Results

With an initial area of focus on pediatric care, this quickly expanded to lifespan, with emphasis on complex care. The care team are able to leverage their expertise to manage their cohort of patients together; improve access, continuity & efficiency. Barriers were eliminated. NP role was clariﬁed. NPs have a scope‐based focus; NPs see a broad‐based primary care patient population and consult & collaborate with the physicians mainly with respect to issues beyond the NP’s scope. An unforeseen beneﬁt has been that physicians are less stressed by having the support of the FHNPs. This has led to increased demand for NP resources.

Conclusion

The FHNPs practicing in a shared care model is successful, as evidenced by service demand and team engagement. This role is effective & efficient, improving access, continuity and quality in primary care; building the overall capacity of the primary care team.